Hensler named to Team USA World Juniors roster
December 20, 2024 | Men's Hockey
Freshman heads to Canada for the 2025 World Junior Championship
OTTAWA, Ontario – Wisconsin men's hockey defenseman Logan Hensler has been named to the 25-man U.S. National Junior Team final roster set to represent the United States at the 2025 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) World Junior Championship, USA Hockey announced.
The 2025 IIHF World Junior Championship, which brings together the top national under-20 ice hockey teams from around the world, runs from Dec. 26, 2024, through Jan. 5, 2025, in Ottawa, Ontario.
Hensler currently boasts seven assists in 17 games played as a Badger, ranking second among defensemen and freshmen on the team in points. He's fifth on the roster in blocks with 13 and second among defensemen in shots with 24.
A product of the U.S. National Team Development Program, the Woodbury, Minnesota, native has competed internationally for Team USA before, helping it to a silver medal at the 2024 IIHF Under-18 Men's World Championship. Hensler also won a gold medal with Team USA at the 2023 Under-18 Five Nations Tournament.
He is an A Rated prospect by NHL Central Scouting in the preliminary rankings for the 2025 NHL Draft, which translates to a first-round candidate.
Hensler extends UW's streak to nine consecutive years with at least one Badger competing at the World Juniors and the 38th straight event with at least one Badger competitor or staff member taking part in the tournament dating back to 1988.
That includes in 2004 when Team USA won its first gold medal and Badgers Jake Dowell, Jeff Likens and Ryan Suter all skated for the team. That team was also coached by Badger alum Mike Eaves, who was UW's head coach at the time.
Team USA boasts six gold medals in the tournament, and three of those victories saw Badgers lead the team as captain (Luke Kunin – 2017; Jake McCabe – 2013; Derek Stepan – 2010).
All time, 60 Badgers have played in the World Junior Championship to date. Most recently, sophomore forward Quinn Finley helped Team USA to a gold medal in the 2024 tournament.
To date, the U.S. National Junior Team has claimed 14 medals, including six gold (2024, 2021, 2017, 2013, 2010, 2004), two silver (2019, 1997) and seven bronze medals (2023, 2018, 2016, 2011, 2007, 1992, 1986).
This year, all U.S. games will be broadcast live on NHL Network, including its tournament opener against Germany on Dec. 26. The gold medal game takes place on Jan. 5. Former Wisconsin head coach Tony Granato will serve as a color commentator for Team USA's games.
TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE FOR USA (GROUP A):
- Game 1: Germany, Dec. 26 (1:30 p.m. CT)
- Game 2: Latvia, Dec. 28 (2:30 p.m.)
- Game 3: Finland, Dec. 29 (1:30 p.m.)
- Game 4: Canada, Dec. 31 (7 p.m.)
- Gold Medal Game – Jan. 5 (6:30 p.m.)
